[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2160-E2161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  AZERBAIJAN'S STATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 17, 2007

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, one of our key 
democratic allies--the Republic of Azerbaijan--is set to celebrate the 
16th Anniversary of its re-independence on October 18. In the current 
global political climate, Azerbaijan is unique among democracies as the 
world's first Muslim democratic republic! A status I both commend and 
support.
  Azerbaijan's first glimpse as a democratic republic came in 1918 
shortly after the fall of the Russian Empire. Unfortunately, the Red 
Anny invaded on April 28, 1920 and thereby preempting further 
democratization at that time.
  Azerbaijan's second opportunity for freedom and self-determination 
came at a heavy price following the 1990 invasion of Baku by Soviet 
troops, resulting in the death of more than a hundred thirty civilians. 
Moscow rule grew weaker in Azerbaijan and by 1991 popular pressure led 
the country to declare its independence.
  Given past Soviet rule and difficult geopolitical environment between 
Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan's determination to look westward for its 
political and economic allies should be applauded.
  Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States within international and 
regional institutions including UN, Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. 
Azerbaijan also works together with the United States within the 
framework of the Organization for Democracy and Development--GUAM which 
is comprised of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The group 
was created as a political, economic and strategic alliance aimed at 
overcoming common risks and threats and strengthening the independence 
and sovereignty of its member states.
  The Republic of Azerbaijan is a standout nation among the South 
Caucasus countries, with a population of 8 million people and an 
ambitious economic policy. During the last decade Azerbaijan has been 
implementing structural reforms and adopting numerous laws and 
legislative changes, paving the way toward further integration within 
the global economy. The nation has been moving toward a more 
diversified economy to achieve sustainable growth and to meet the 
social and development needs of its population. As reported by the 
International Monetary Fund, IMF, Azerbaijan's macroeconomic 
performance ``has been impressive with strong growth, low inflation, 
and a stable exchange rate.'' Real GDP grew by an annual average of 
over 10 percent during the last six years and build up to 34.4 percent 
in the first eight months of 2006, driven by investments in the energy 
sector, followed by growth in the construction and transportation 
sectors, and agriculture.
  Since signing the ``Contract of the Century'' in 1994 Azerbaijan has 
developed its energy sources within the Caspian region to diversify 
western energy supplies. On July 13, 2006 the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main 
oil export pipeline was inaugurated. The Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural 
gas pipeline is expected to be completed this fall. Azerbaijan also 
actively promotes the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project which has been 
recognized as an important part of East-West and North-South transport 
corridor.
  Diversification of the economy and ensuring the development of non-
oil sectors is a priority for the government. This policy includes 
implementation of projects and programs that create favorable 
conditions for development of

[[Page E2161]]

private entrepreneurship, attracting investment in non-oil sector, 
creating new jobs, evaluation of potential industries and markets, and 
development of infrastructure in the regions.
  The last 16 years of independence has not been without challenges. In 
1993 the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding 
complete, unconditional, and immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces 
from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. NATO, OSCE, EU, and other 
international organizations also repeatedly called for the restoration 
of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.
  In January 2005 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe 
adopted a resolution clearly stating that ``considerable parts of the 
territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces and 
separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region'' 
and urged the withdrawal of Armenian military forces from all 
Azerbaijani territories.
  We, the United States, recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of 
Azerbaijan. A State Department's 2005 Fact Sheet states: ``The United 
States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent country, 
and its leadership is not recognized internationally or by the United 
States. The United States supports the territorial integrity of 
Azerbaijan and holds that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a 
matter of negotiation between the parties.''
  Let us today commend the Republic of Azerbaijan on their forthcoming 
16th Anniversary celebrations. And, let us today commit ourselves to 
their continued development as a global partner against the war on 
terrorism, toward economic growth, diversification of energy resources, 
and strengthening stability and security in the region.

                          ____________________